The muse has a sense of humor. I think.
Exhibit A, “Vintage Typewriters”. I was more than half way in on this painting, enjoying myself enjoying the subject matter, taking my time with each still life piece working my way around the canvas. I arrived at the vintage black typewriter, one of my dearest possessions, that sits right across from my easel and started painting in the name: CORONA. Really?? I couldn’t have noticed this before I started? But I didn’t…or it didn’t click or I’ve seen it so many hundreds of times I never thought of…the other Corona. For a split second, I thought of painting it out, changing the typewriter or changing the name. But I didn’t. This is part of the creative process. The happy (weird?) accidents. I left in the Corona because that’s what it is, a Corona Typewriter and that’s what we’re living through, a Corona Virus pandemic. Other than the temporary “huh”, I loved capturing these plants and marbles and pots and things that make my side table happy.
What else is new in the land of painting and greeting cards and small business? Painting lots. A new Carmel-by-the-Sea collection is available at elizabethW Carmel (online and in their shop). Also hot off the easel is a fun new series for Watson Kennedy
Painting, writing, cooking and baking, all things creative, have helped me so much during this strange season. I’m ready to emerge but also not ready. Is it possible to become used to this? No, it isn’t. But there is something about a sustained period of creativity that helps with momentum. That, I like.
What else fun and juicy? I’ve been designing and ordering new Carpe Diem Papers greeting cards, Fancy Envelopes and sending snail mail like a turn of the century (last century, the old one) tea drinking lady. I’ve also been getting terrific reviews and response on my book so that makes me happy. I promise, a book party or release or something, when things are more “normal”. Maybe I’ll rename it, “Don’t Launch Your Book in a Pandemic”. No, I’ll save that for the sequel.
Anything else…? It’s summer where I am, hotter than hot, the way summer is supposed to be but i’m melting. I still don’t know when I’ll be allowed or want to travel. Trade shows are cancelled for the summer. I’ve started running again. Not far, mostly on a treadmill, but it feels good. I’ve read and listened to some very good books, this one stopped my world for several days, and this one I just started and I’m already hooked. Suggestions always welcome…my love of books surpasses my time to read and listen but I’m always hopeful.
Happy weekend, friends. Hope the muse finds you or you find it or both. xo
“Vintage Typewriters” 18×24″ SOLD